There are nearly 4,400 DECA chapters nationwide and Irondequoit DECA is one of just 181 to earn recognition for its annual Community Service and Promotional Campaign! The award-winning Irondequoit HS business club is also the only Monroe County school on that achievement list.

“To witness a group of highly motivated high school students report to school early every Thursday at 7:30 a.m. and organize and execute nine different events is wonderful to see as an educator,” said Irondequoit DECA Advisor, Lou DiCesare, referencing the three community service projects, three school outreach projects and three interviews with IHS DECA alumni in a guest speaker series. ”We literally watch growth, maturity and leadership skills being developed (by our students) right in front of our eyes” DiCesare said. “Skills that are just as important - maybe more - as the learning and trophies that may come with other DECA events/competitions."

Those IHS graduates – Rachel (Cushman) Conley (Class of 2005), Talia Defay (2019) and Lia Rohr (2018) – shared with current students how their Irondequoit DECA experiences informed their career paths. Each fall, DECA recognizes leading chapters focused on serving the DECA community, while also building strong local programs.

Chapter individuals dedicate their year to many DECA-related endeavors, including academic career preparation and community service projects. IHS students have shown an extraordinary commitment to DECA this school year.

"All Irondequoit DECA advisors (Mrs. Lent, Mr. Ragone and Mrs. Bucciarelli) are extremely proud of these achievements," DiCesare said.

It's all about connecting with and leaving a positive impact on the community. Irondequoit DECA for its promotional campaign:

• Collected approximately 1,000 pounds of food and donated it to the Irondequoit Community Cupboard.
• Rang the Salvation Army bells in front of a Tops grocery store
• Wrote thank you cards to veterans, but rather than deliver them to a local VA hospital, students identified and gave them to IHS teachers who are veterans: Todd Fleming, Eric Hickey and Joe Rivellino.

For school outreach, DECA students:

• Sold $15 IHS DECA T-shirts
• Appeared regularly on the IHS Morning Show to share business news.
• Shared information, including flyers, and advice during lunch periods at Dake Jr. HS (grades 7-8).

For more information about DECA, click here.